PAC Talk with Pieter Vodden

This week we sit down with the new Athletic Director of PHAROS Athletic club Jess Kilts. With over a decade of experience in the industry, bi-coastal experience in gyms, multiple Certifications including Strong First and USAW as well as being a competitive Power Lifter and the first Female Strength Coach of Chris Hemsworth’s new company … we had a hell of a...

This week we sit down and discuss Strength Training, Nutrition, Strategy, and Mindset with Pre and Post-Natal specialist Cynthia Velazquez. Cynthia has transitioned from Crossfitter to Personal Trainer to Doula and her new “Built For Birthing “ program helps women through a healthy and successful birth and beyond. This is a must-listen for anyone who is, has, or may in the future go through this e...

This week I sit down with our new Rock Star Coach Sayuri Yoshimura. Competitive Weightlifters, Nutritionists to Professional Fighters, and Physical Therapist, to say Sayuri is multi-talented is a huge understatement. In this podcast, we delve into these subjects, learn Sayuri’s story, discover her passion and find out how she is about to help our members at Pharos Athletic Club in the upcoming Lim...

The Posterior Chain (Part 1)  If like me you are not genetically gifted with good legs it’s a good idea to train your legs twice a week. Usually, we spend one session focusing more on the quads and the other more on the Hamstrings (you will work both but the emphasis will change ). However, for me, Thursdays are my “hinge”/posterior chain/hamstring day. So I focus on leg curls, Good Mornings,...

This week we talk about Recovery. You can’t afford to do the work that you can’t recover from. How often should you train? What kind of training should you do? What helps your recovery rate? Do supplements help? We tackle all this and more in this week's episode. Hit me up with your questions and enjoy!  Connect with Piet and Pharos Piet's Instagram Pharos Instagram Pharos Mountain Lodge Inst...

Your metabolism never stops, even when your body is at rest. It constantly provides energy for basic body functions, such as: Breathing. Circulating blood. Digesting food. Growing and repairing cells. Managing hormone levels. Regulating body temperature. In today's podcast, we will be exploring what your metabolism does, your BMR (Base Metabolic Rate), how your body uses its energy when in motion...

This week Emylee and I sit down and discuss the logistics of training and eating when you travel plus managing family time with personal space. With a new baby on the way, a new gym to build, two growing communities, and a growing team there’s so much to think about, plan for, and manage. It’s easy to get buried if you don’t take care of yourself. We hit the road for perspective, adventure and cla...

This week we sit down with Ian Markow of Markow Training Systems. Ian is a specialist in Mobility, Breathing, and Movement. He is one of the world's best at integrating these disciplines with Strength Training for Athletes and the general population to build superior humans. Emylee and I sit down with Ian to figure out the why, the how, and the what’s next in this field. A great resource for anyon...

Private chef Elana Brooks returns to the Pharos Fit Podcast. Elana is one of the most in-demand personal chefs working in LA today and she is extremely passionate about the quality of food she serves. As a private chef, Elana Brooks takes the utmost care in making sure all of her client's desires are met. She prides herself in discretion and takes necessary measures to make sure all of her cl...

There has been a conflict raging since the dawn of time (we at least a few years) … Crossfit vs Bodybuilding: Who wins? I’ve spent a good amount of time in both, I have friends who are devoted to both at the extremes of the sport. I ponder the questions in this week's podcast; the differences, the benefits, the limits, and the results … I’ve spent a good amount of time in both, I have friends who...

This week saw our 1 Year Anniversary at PHAROS Mountain Lodge. A year of Retreats, building a new community in Idyllwild, and growing PHAROS Athletic Club even further in LA. Emylee and I sit down to discuss the significance of what we have built here. What are we doing and where are we going…And stay tuned for an exciting announcement!  Connect with Piet and Emylee Emylee's Instagram Piet's...

This week I sit down with Coach Extraordinaire Robin Reader and discuss Olympic Weightlifting and our growing success with The Barbell Club. We talk about the growing participation of Women in the club at Pharos and why the sport has given Robin a new sense of purpose in her career. She has an incredible story and since surviving her battle with cancer is thriving as one of the top emerging Coache...

Jack is the founder and Gym Leader of Gymnasium, a growing fitness enterprise in the UK. He was an early pioneer in the Crossfit space with In2 Crossfit in 2011 and has experienced much growth, change and adaptation as the company grew, evolved, and dealt with the many challenges that being a gym owner brings. We talk through his journey, the lessons learned, the mistakes made, and the future of G...

This week I sit down with a pioneer in the field of Regenerative Farming Devin Day. Devin owns Valley Farmstead in Washington and is going to revolutionary lengths to provide exceptional produce. His techniques and methods are setting new standards in agriculture and forestry and I learned so much from this podcast. His farm not only produces the highest quality meat but also the best Maple Syrup...

This week I sit down with Alex Catalano and discuss all things nutrition. Alex is a Health Lifestyle Specialist and has undergone one of the most impressive transformations I have seen at PHAROS Athletic Club. A 4ft 11-inch powerhouse that spreads the word about healthy living through television, seminars, workshops, social media, and various media outlets. Find out the how’s and why’s of some cha...

The Limitless Challenge 2022 saw the most successful transformation results to date. Collectively the Challengers lost….. of fat and gained ……. Of muscle. Today is sit down with the Challenge Winners Clara Warbritton who lost …. And gained …..and Abel Ortiz who lost …. And gained…. and their Coach Arthur Guillosson to discuss what they did, how they did it, and what their secret is. They did...

This week I sit down with one of our newest members Dr. Yasmin Mohseni AKA Dr. Yas. Yasmin is an Immunologist with a Ph. D. to her name and has a unique perspective and insight into the pandemic, vaccination, mandates, and protocols. She is also been able to witness firsthand the difference between how things are done in the U. S vs her native U.K. After so much controversy, confusion and debate D...

Where does your food come from? Why is it important? What don’t you know about the food you are buying and consuming? We cover so much in this podcast. Elana is one of the most in-demand personal chefs working in LA today and she is extremely passionate about the quality of food she serves. She buys from farmers she knows and cooks in a way that best serves the health of her clients. I guaran...

This week is said down with Janes Grundler and Anna Maguire to discuss their recent participation in the Wodapalooza fitness festival. We find out how James went from Rock n roll star to masters athlete and how our very own coach Anna Maguire is forging her way to compete at the highest level in the sport of CrossFit.  We talk preparation, aftermath, and logistics of all the events, as well a...

t’s the end of the first week of the 2022 Limitless Challenge and we wanted to highlight some tips that may be of use. We go over 10 game changers that can be the difference between a successful journey and a frustrating one! Hunger is dehydration in disguise  Hard to get enough protein Don’t overcomplicate things  Live your challenge. Do not compare. The lessons you learn will be your o...

Jason Hazard is the writer, director, and producer of the new American satire “Die Surely”. He is also an OG member of the PHAROS Athletic Club. After a career in PR and Journalism, he has realized his dream as a scriptwriter and movie maker. We talk about his journey, how he made it happen, the community that helped make it happen, and the complexities, contradictions, and confusions of the pande...

This week Emylee and I look forward to the PAC Limitless Challenge. After 10 Challenges over the years, we have been refining the process to improve the result. This January we will be offering our best to date! Tune in for a glimpse of what we will be on the menu!  Connect with Pharos and The Limitless Challenge Sign Up Here Piet's Instagram Emylee's Instagram Pharos Instagram Pharos Mountai...

One of my favorite podcasts of all time today with Carrie from Richards Grassfed Beef. Carrie owns and runs a 5 generation ranch in NorCal that has returned exclusively to Regenerative Farming. I don’t get “star-struck “ often but I am humbled and marveled by what Carrie, her family and everyone involved with the project are doing … for the welfare of the animals, for the planet, for the health of...

This week Brandon and I sit down and discuss navigating the holidays. It can be hard to stay on track with a lot of obstacles and temptations but we have 10 tips that will help you! It’s the season of giving so give yourself a chance! Enjoy and post your recommendations and questions below!  Connect with Piet and Pharos Piet's Instagram Pharos Instagram Pharos Mountain Lodge Instagram Website...

How should you train a client through pregnancy and postpartum? What are the myths, solutions, and things to be aware of? What is enough and where is the line to too much? This week I sit down with Emylee Covell and go deep into these topics. A must-listen for all coaches who at some point will undoubtedly encounter this situation or for anyone who is concerned about training through this imp...